Month: August 2014

The UTEP Soccer head into what is undoubtedly the most important match of their non-conference schedule when they take on NMSU at University Field tonight at 7pm. UTEP (1-0-1) played a solid game in their home opener against Texas State. The Miners improved as the match progressed.

Here are the notable points that I observed from the UTEP side:

-O'Hayre, Asuchak, and Dilling continue UTEP's solid defensive ways intact. The UTEP defensive line has always been a strong point when it comes the teams that head coach Kevin Cross produces. These two defenders and goalkeeper will assure that that continues to be the case for their 2014 campaign. They are constantly communicating with the rest of the team, demonstrating to be true field generals.

-Speaking of defensive tactics. The entire team demonstrated "selective aggressiveness" consistently throughout the Texas State game. I look for this to remain throughout the season. A sign of any good soccer team is to know when to be physical against their rivals and more importantly not draw any cards in the process. I expect a lot of this tactic tonight against NMSU.

-Nicole Lindsay was gold in the second half of the UTEP game against Texas State. Lindsay completed ALL of her passes in the that half. I genuinely believe that Lindsay is still a little ahead of her teammates when it comes to breaking to the open space. She passes the ball off quickly, flawlessly and breaks to space in a flash. The rest of team needs to be aware of this. When this happens Lindsay's threat on the opposition will grow exponentially.

-The Miners need to look to Lauren Katada to be a key reference on the field of play when she comes off the bench. Katada very intelligently places herself locations on the pitch where she could easily generate dangerous plays in UTEP's favor. If the ball would get to her.

All in all this UTEP side is has demonstrated that it is full of promise to be more than a legitimate contender in Conference USA.

Less than 8 hours from now the 2014 UTEP Soccer season will kickoff at University Field. There is no doubt that head coach Kevin Cross will have his side ready to go in order to begin this 2014 campaign off to a proper start. The offseason was long, tough, and successful for the Miners. The players on the team learned a lot and it shows.

Everyone on this squad appears to have the proper mindset to make this upcoming season a successful one. Talking with some of the veterans on this team a couple of weeks ago at media day made this more than evident.

Two of the defensive starters for UTEP, Taylor O'Hayre and Hanah Asuchak are going to be the base of the defensive line this year and are more than ready to execute what will be asked of them throughout the upcoming season.

Both O'Hayre and Asuchak are also feeling really comfortable with the new players that have integrated themselves into the team this offseason.

O'Hayre stated, "I still think we're still going to be solid (regarding to the defensive line) we've got some good freshmen coming in that they've really showed their skills so we are not too worried, I think we are going to have a good year."

Asuchak added, "Yeah it's good that Taylor and I have been there in the back for four years, so the leadership is there and our new additions are really joining in well with the team."

The outside defender O'Hayre was also happy with her development over the offseason stating, "I think I've gotten more comfortable attacking, dribbling out of the back and trying to get involved in the attack, so with that I think I can help in both in the offensive and defensive aspects of what this team does."

As for what can be expected from this team as far as style of play, both defenders are crystal clear on Kevin Cross's philosophy and ready to execute it.

O'Hayre stated, "We expect to maintain a lot of possession, a lot of flank play, we like to spread the field and try to get the other team to chase the ball. That is when we play the best, when we get the other team running and wear them out because we are very well conditioned."

Asuchak added, "Yeah playing possesion in the first half definetly helps us in the second half so we can increase the amount of times we go on the attack and get the ball to our finishers."

Attacking has always been UTEP's style, head coach Kevin Cross has no problem making that known, "We like to attack teams, go at them. We attack as a team, defend as a team, and hopefully that puts balls in the back of the net. That has always been our style to go at teams and attack a lot."

Cross went on to commented that he was happy with this week's preparation leading up to the season opener, "The team gave great effort everyday. I didn't have to get on them about their intensity, they practiced at a really high level which is a really good sign for us because I think you practice how you are going to play."

As for the overall season outlook the Miners head coach was candid, "I think a lot of it depends on how we do game to game, we have to stay healthy, we have to play hard and excute details because its details that win games. We have to have strong leadership out on the field, have bounces go your way and ultimately leave it out all on the field."

Sound like a sound recipe for success. There is no doubt that this team has all of the ingredients to make it happen.